MOMO Film Festival (5)

Festival start: 09 October 2027      Festival end: 11 October 2027

Dear Filmmakers,

MOMO Film Festival (MOMO FF) is an independent, international celebration of cinematic freedom and authentic voices. Our mission is simple: to champion powerful storytelling in all its forms—regardless of budget, access, or industry status.

Founded by a creative duo—one an actress, TV host, and editor; the other a director, photographer, and filmmaker—MOMO FF was born from a shared devotion to independent cinema. We know how difficult it can be to find platforms that value vision over resources. That’s why we’ve built one: a festival where stories can truly breathe, connect, and resonate.

Official Selection
Our Official Selection includes features, shorts, 1-minute works, and Screenwriting.

A Growing Festival with Global Impact
After launching in Hollywood and growing through Birmingham and Ann Arbor, MOMO FF celebrated its fourth edition at South Lyon Theater in 2026. We now enter our fifth year with a continued commitment to welcoming audiences, uplifting diverse voices, and creating spaces for dialogue and connection.

MOMO FF is more than just a screening event—it’s our creative community. A place for networking, conversation, and shared inspiration. Each year, we expand our reach to connect independent filmmakers with wider audiences, offering a stage where every voice can be heard.

WHY MOMO FF?

At MOMO, we believe every story deserves to be seen. Our festival celebrates cinema in all its forms: from poetic shorts to powerful narratives, experimental works, documentaries, and now screenplays. Whether you’re an experienced filmmaker or taking your first step, MOMO FF is here to support and amplify your vision.

Join us as we continue to grow and make a lasting impact on the global film community. We can’t wait to discover your work—and to welcome you to our 2027 edition at South Lyon Theater, October 9–11, 2027.

Jury
The jury for MOMO Film Festival 2027 will be announced ahead of the festival. Each year, our jurors bring insight, passion, and an international perspective to highlight bold works that deserve recognition.

Accessibility
MOMO Film Festival is committed to inclusion and accessibility for all filmmakers and attendees.
Screenings take place at an ADA-compliant venue with wheelchair seating and accessible restrooms.

If you have specific accessibility needs, please write to us at contact@momofilmfestival.org at least two weeks before the event. We’ll do everything we can to accommodate you.

Thank you for being part of the MOMO journey.

Wishing you magical, miraculous days,
The MOMO Film Festival Team

— ESPAÑOL —
MOMO Independent Film Festival es un festival internacional e independiente que celebra el cine libre y las voces auténticas, sin importar el presupuesto ni la trayectoria. Tras sus ediciones en Hollywood, Birmingham, Ann Arbor y South Lyon, MOMO FF entra en su quinto año.
La 5.ª edición se celebrará del 9 al 11 de octubre de 2027 en el South Lyon Theater (126 E Lake St, South Lyon, Michigan, EE. UU.).
Categorías: largometrajes, cortometrajes, obras de 1 minuto y guiones (corto y largo).
Las películas deben estar en inglés o tener subtítulos en inglés. No exigimos estreno.
Sala accesible (ADA) con asientos para sillas de ruedas y baños accesibles. Si necesita alguna adaptación, escríbanos a contact@momofilmfestival.org al menos dos semanas antes.
¡Esperamos descubrir su obra!

— FRANÇAIS —
Le MOMO Independent Film Festival est un festival international et indépendant qui célèbre le cinéma libre et les voix authentiques, quels que soient le budget ou le parcours. Après Hollywood, Birmingham, Ann Arbor et South Lyon, MOMO FF entre dans sa cinquième année.
La 5e édition aura lieu du 9 au 11 octobre 2027 au South Lyon Theater (126 E Lake St, South Lyon, Michigan, États-Unis).
Catégories : longs métrages, courts métrages, films d'une minute et scénarios (court et long).
Les films doivent être en anglais ou sous-titrés en anglais. Aucune exigence de première.
Salle accessible (normes ADA) avec places pour fauteuils roulants et toilettes accessibles. Pour toute demande d'aménagement, écrivez-nous à contact@momofilmfestival.org au moins deux semaines à l'avance.
Au plaisir de découvrir votre film !

At MOMO FF, we are dedicated to recognizing and celebrating outstanding achievements in filmmaking. This year, we are pleased to present the following awards:

Best Film
Awarded to the film that exemplifies excellence in all aspects of filmmaking, including storytelling, direction, acting, and technical execution.

Best Director
Recognizes the director whose vision and leadership have brought a film to life with exceptional creativity and clarity.

Best Director of Photography (Best DP)
Celebrates outstanding visual storytelling and cinematography, honoring the Director of Photography who has created the most compelling and beautiful imagery.

Best Actor
Awarded to the actor who delivers the most powerful and convincing performance in a leading role.

Best Actress
Recognizes the actress whose performance in a leading role stands out for its emotional depth and authenticity.

Please note that while we will honor winners with prestigious awards and recognition, we do not offer cash prizes. Our focus is on celebrating the artistic accomplishments of our filmmakers and providing a platform for their work to shine.

We look forward to acknowledging the exceptional talent and creativity of our participants!

Terms & Conditions – MOMO Film Festival 2027

Eligibility & Content Standards
Animal Welfare: The depiction of animal abuse, whether real or implied, is strictly prohibited. Submissions containing such content will be automatically disqualified, and entry fees will not be refunded.

Film Content: Films must adhere to the festival’s content guidelines, avoiding animal cruelty/abuse, hate speech, excessive or exploitative violence, or other offensive material.

Festival Premiere Requirements: MOMO FF does not impose premiere requirements. Films that have previously screened at other festivals are eligible.

Broadcast Eligibility: Prior public or internet broadcasts (e.g., Vimeo, YouTube) do not affect eligibility.

Language Requirement: Films must be in English or include English subtitles at the time of submission.

Submission & Fees
Submission Process: Submissions must be made via Festhome in the specified format. Please ensure your film meets all technical requirements.
Entry Fees: All entry fees are non-refundable.
Late Fees: Films submitted after the final deadline will incur a $10 late fee.

Submission Changes: Changes to submitted films require a new submission and fee.

Selection & Participation
Selection Decision: All decisions of the selection committee are final and cannot be contested.

Notification: Filmmakers will be notified of their status by email. The festival is not responsible for delays caused by technical issues.

Participation: Attendance in person is encouraged but not required. Virtual participation options may be available.

Date & Venue: MOMO FF reserves the right to change festival dates or venues under special circumstances. Updates will be shared via email and online platforms.

Screening Consent: By submitting, you grant MOMO FF the right to screen your film before a live audience and, if necessary, in online screenings.

Awards & Trophies: Trophies are presented exclusively during the Closing Ceremony as part of the shared celebration with filmmakers, jury, and audiences. Awards must be accepted in person by the filmmaker or an appointed representative. MOMO FF does not mail, deliver, or reissue trophies after the event.

Withdrawals
Once Official Selections are announced, films and scripts cannot be withdrawn.

Rights & Promotional Use
Rights & Permissions: Entrants are responsible for securing all necessary rights and permissions for their work (including music, images, and third-party content).

Promotional Use (Stills): Stills from selected films may be used on the festival’s website, press releases, brochures, and publicity materials.

Clips/Trailer/Excerpts & Soundtrack:
Submitter grants MOMO FF a non-exclusive, royalty-free, worldwide license to use the film’s official trailer and up to 30 seconds of excerpts with audio for festival promotion (website, social media, press, pre-show/intermission, and archival recap).
Submitter may also provide cleared soundtrack tracks for use in festival-produced promo videos and in-venue playback.
Submitter must provide any necessary Content ID whitelisting to prevent blocks/muting on platforms (YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook).
Submitter warrants that all rights are secured and indemnifies MOMO FF against related claims. Festival will remove materials within 30 days upon written request where reasonably practicable.

Promotional Materials Provided by Filmmakers: For press kits, posters, trailers, clips, and any promotional content provided to MOMO FF, filmmakers must supply clean versions free of third-party logos, advertising, unrelated company branding, or other festival names/laurels.

Distribution Rights: MOMO FF does not claim any distribution rights. Promotional uses are limited to the scope above.
Promotion by Submitter: By submitting, you agree to promote MOMO FF on your social media platforms.

Technical & Liability
Technical Issues: Filmmakers are responsible for technical quality and English subtitles where required. Submissions with issues may be rejected without refund. For technical difficulties, contact the festival promptly.

Liability: MOMO FF is not responsible for any loss or damage to submitted materials. Entrants should retain copies.

Film & Script Duration Guidelines
1-Minute Films: 60 seconds or less (including credits).
Short Films: 30 minutes or less (including credits).
Feature Films: 40 minutes or more (including credits).
Mid-Length Films (31–39 minutes): Submit under the Feature category; these works will be thoughtfully considered.
Scripts
Short Script: Up to 25 pages, standard industry format.
Feature Script: 60–120 pages, standard industry format. Scripts may be in early development or polished drafts.

Note: Once Official Selections are announced, films and scripts cannot be withdrawn.

Accessibility
MOMO Film Festival is committed to inclusion and accessibility. Our venue is ADA-compliant, with wheelchair-accessible seating and restrooms.
Please email contact@momofilmfestival.org at least two weeks prior if you require accommodations.

Updates to Terms
MOMO FF may update these terms and policies without prior notice. By submitting, you agree to these terms and consent to receiving festival updates via email. MOMO FF will never sell your information to third parties.